Theme: Hand
Contest Theme
HAND
An ode to craftsmanship, skill, and authentic handmade work, returning to the origins of cartoon drawing.
Submission Deadline
31 May 2026
Postmark serves as proof.
Regulations
The competition is organized by the non‑profit organization International Humor in Art (IHA) in cooperation with the Municipal Council of Boechout, the Boechout Cultural Council, and Davidsfonds Boechout‑Vremde.
Participation is open to cartoon artists worldwide.
Only fully analogue, hand‑drawn original works are accepted.
Digital works, digital coloring, prints, or photographs of drawings are not permitted.
Each participant must include a signed declaration on honour confirming that the work is fully hand‑drawn, created without artificial intelligence, and authored solely by the participant.
A maximum of ten original works may be submitted per participant.
Works must be in a small format such as postcard size (A6 or 10 × 15 cm).
High‑quality, sturdy paper is required.
Works must not be folded, mounted, or framed and must not contain captions.
The following information must be written on the back of each work:
Mandatory documents include a signed declaration on honour and a contact form with personal details.
Any freehand drawing technique is allowed, in black and white or color.
No digital techniques, digital coloring, or prints are allowed.
The jury will select works for exhibition, catalog, and awards; jury decisions are final.
The exhibition and award ceremony will take place in autumn 2026 at Theatre Boechout Vooruit.
Selected works may participate in travelling exhibitions in Belgium and abroad.
Selected artists receive a digital catalog, and attending artists receive a free printed catalog.
Award‑winning works become the property of IHA vzw.
Non‑selected works are returned only upon explicit request.
Submitted works must not have been previously awarded.
Participation implies full acceptance of all regulations.
Prizes
George van Raemdonck Prize – Municipality of Boechout: €2,000
Boechout Cultural Council Prize: €1,000
Zeppo Prize: €500
IHA Prize: €300
KTHaes Prize (best participant aged 70+): €200
Davidsfonds Boechout‑Vremde Prize (best Flemish entry): €150
Additional prizes may be announced on the official website.
Contest Link
Website: www.iha.be
